Letter to Mr. Foote - With The Safety And Quality Of Life Of Orange County Residents At Risk & The Incident Count Continuing To Rise, It's Time For CSX To Step Up & Stop Putting Off Critical Repairs To New Windsor Rail Crossings

Letter

Dear Mr. Foote:

I write to request CSX assistance in developing a long-term solution to structural issues at two frequently used rail-crossings in the Town of New Windsor, New York that frequently fall into a state of disrepair. One crossing is at the intersection of Temple Hill Road and Route 300 and the other is at Union Avenue and Erie Avenue. Both crossings have fallen into major disrepair including many potholes and uneven tracks, making it difficult and dangerous for drivers and emergency vehicles to cross and have impeded emergency response to incidents throughout New Windsor. To ensure a smooth, safe flow of traffic it is critical that CSX work quickly and cooperatively with New Windsor to make upgrades needed to ensure residents and emergency vehicles are safe as they travel through the crossings.

In 2013, CSX came to New Windsor to do some minor repairs to the crossings, and it's my understanding that in more recent years additional temporary repairs have been made. Although these repairs were greatly appreciated, given that they were temporary in nature they quickly deteriorated. Recent reports from the Town indicate the crossings are causing accidents related to popped tires and severe automobile damage as well as risks to cyclist using the crossing. As traffic continues to increase on these roads, it is important for CSX to meet with New Windsor officials to develop a permanent and long-term solution for these decrepit and dangerous crossings.

While I appreciate previous efforts by CSX to make temporary repairs to crossings in the Town of New Windsor, I'd now ask that you meet with Town officials and engineers to develop a plan to upgrade these grade crossings in a way that is less susceptible to frequent and persistent deterioration. Thank you for your attention to these issues; I believe your attention will make a meaningful improvement in rail grade-crossing safety in Orange County and throughout New York. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

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